Here’s How Millennial YouTube Stars Are Revolutionizing Indian Classical Music

What is the first thought that pops into your mind when I say the word “classical music”?

Boring?

Redundant?

Or is it a mental image of old people on a stage making faces while singing loudly?

If you didn’t have that image before, you do now. You’re welcome.

I’m going to educate you and introduce some masterpiece projects undertaken by Indian millennials hailing from different parts of the world with a sole objective in their hearts, minds, and souls; which is to make classical music hip again.

1. TUSHAR LALL:

In Tushar Lall’s own words : “I wanted to bring the sound of Indian classical instruments forward.”

An untrained musician, who plays instruments by the ear, has only one aim; to represent classical instruments in a better light so more people can relate to it.

His project is called “The Indian Jam Project” and you can find more about the artists and their upcoming events right here.

Check out other compositions on his Youtube Channel which include Game of Thrones, Sherlock, Pirates of the Caribbean, Interstellar. You can also follow him on SoundCloud.

2. MAHESH RAGHAVAN:

He is single-handedly revolutionizing classical music using just an IPad. According to Raghavan, the objective behind this project of his is to provide a fresh new take on Carnatic music by mixing it with elements of Electronic Dance Music.

His compositions are seamless and perfect. You’d never realize there was something offbeat happening, especially if you’re used to listening to classical music on a daily basis.

Born out of a chance meeting between two people studying at Oxford University; they started out as jamming buddies and it turned into something bigger and better as more people joined in and they started touring in and around London.

Eight months after officially forming in 2015, The Fusion Project performed with Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in one of the oldest music halls in Europe, the Holywell Music Room.

They have recreated entire songs with vocals and it’s absolutely majestic.

Never has there been a more perfect idea than to make a fusion cover of sargam and aalaaps with Ed Sheeran’s lyrics. Everything comes together so easily and flawlessly.